I went there with my 2 friends while I was on Vacation in Florence at the end of May. My friend and I got sandals custom made and we were happy with them. However, I wanted another pair of boots that they did not have in my size and would have to make them. They told me that they would make the boots and ship them to me in the US. The additional charge was 50 Euro to have it shipped to me. They stated to me that they would email me once my boots had shipped in about 4 to 6 weeks. I never received that email. When I emailed them requesting information about when I would likely receive them at the beginning of July, they also did not respond. Since I have hadn't received the boots that I have paid for, I disputed the claim with my credit card company. They are now saying that I received the boots at the time of purchase. I have 2 witnesses that I did not. Buyers beware! Buy on site only!!! read more

It took much longer than anticipated but I received my shoes in the mail after ordering them in person last summer. They are beautiful and well made. Thank you! read more

Spent some time looking for the right sandals, fell in love with Francesco style,fitting and story. Check it out, you won't be disappointed. read more

I visited Francesco's workshop in Florence in April 2012 and can't say enough about the service, quality of workmanship, and high quality shoes. This is a completely family run business that still makes top quality shoes the same way they have been making them for decades. I asked Francesco to make some shoes custom for me since my feet are a little wider than normal and I wanted them to fit perfectly. He was more than happy to oblige me and charged me the same as for a pair off the shelf. I received the shoes back in NYC in about 5 weeks and they were perfect! If you are in Florence and want some high quality handmade shoes, don't hesitate to visit Francesco. For more info on my experience here check out this blog - http://bit.ly/Lo7uYV read more

My husband had the most beautiful pair of handmade shoes. Wonderful and gloriously styled, my husband cannot wait to order another pair! Please do yourself a favor and have a pair of shoes made just for your feet. You will not regret it. read more

I walked into his shop looking for handmade shoes and probably bought the best shoes I've ever worn. He also provided a short tour of his shop and operations! Wonderful! read more

so maybe i got ripped off at francesco da firenze? i have no idea really. for a girl growing up in an ebay era of bargain shopping it is sadly difficult for me to tell when paying a bit more for something might actually be worth it. the leather sandals i bought here were around 60 euro a pair and while that is a bit more than my paltry budget normally allows for sandals i was ready to pay up for these. the shop makes them to order, you choose the style and the leather and they size you and you come back the next day and there are your gorgeous leather sandals. i figured that i was paying for something that would last. except here i am only two months later and one of the pairs i bought has popped a little metal button that holds it together. i am sure if i brought it back to the shop they would fix it up no questions asked - but paris is not exactly next door. i also ended up buying a pair of 150 euro work shoes that look something between german combat boots and jane austen- esque lace ups. they are splendid - i have no regrets. these babies will certainly last me several lifetimes. after a month working on a farm and getting slogged through mud and grass and grime they are holding up beautifully - my do they smell fragrant, but i guess that's not the shoes' fault read more

Your review helps others learn about great local businesses. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees. We, too, visited and were charmed by the elderly couple and the ambience of this shoemaker's shop. The cobbler told us in Italian about how long the shop had been in the family and showed us a picture of his father teaching him the craft of shoemaking and working leather. We ordered a beautiful pair of butter colored shoes that faded into a dark brown at the tip. We were told to expect the shoes in 30 days, expensive, but worth it for the experience. A beautiful pair of shoes finally did come to our home 2 1/2 nervous months later, but they were the wrong shoes. Right size, wrong shoes. These are a beautiful dark caramel, all one color, and beautifully made. Not the shoes we ordered. We now have to write a letter to the sweet couple, have a friend translate it, and see how we can work this out. None of us spoke Italian, but it was clear which shoes we wanted. read more

I was only in Florence for 2 days. I walked into Francesco's on the first day after finding the store in "The Cognoscenti's Guide to Florence: Shop and Eat like a Florentine" and I'm so glad that I did. I picked out a gorgeous style of sandal and was able to have them custom made for me in 24 hours. Typical turnaround is a bit longer but they were kind enough to speed up the timeline. I love these sandals. They fit like a total dream and are the perfect souvenir that will last a lifetime. read more